The White House says it approved a major disaster declaration after last month's deadly floods in Connecticut.

Gov. Ned Lamont held a press conference in Southbury to discuss the approval, which was announced on Friday.

The declaration means that victims can now apply for direct assistance from the federal government related to the floods.

Areas around Southbury and Monroe sustained more than $300 million in damage after a foot of rain fell on Aug. 18.

“This historic weather event caused significant damage to homes and businesses in western Connecticut, and the approval of this major disaster declaration means that individuals will be able to access federal funding to support their recovery efforts, particularly when it comes to the rebuilding of uninsured infrastructure,” Gov. Lamont said in a released statement.

Gov. Lamont said The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, in collaboration with FEMA and the Small Business Administration, are working to open disaster recovery and business recovery centers that will provide in-person support to help affected individuals apply for assistance.

He said a future announcement will be made with locations and hours of operations.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app.